Annex 6

DATABASES

Computerized and other forms of databases are important elements of a systematic approach to safety in biotechnology and to the process of wider international cooperation. Different types of databases have been established or are in the final stages of preparation and others are under consideration or in early stages of development. In order to contribute positively to the safe use and development of biotechnology, it is important that databases be harmonized wherever possible, that they be made as readily accessible to as many users as possible, and that they be kept up to date. Information in databases should be validated appropriately.

There are databases covering regulation, introductions or releases, microbiology, molecular biology, cell lines and hybridomas, sequence data, bibliography and general biotechnology information. Information is less widely available in systematic form on the wide variety and vast number of crop plants modified by plant breeding techniques.

Major databases include:

• The World Data Centre's Directory to Culture Collections of Micro-organisms;
• National and regional microbial strain databases (MiCIS, MINE in Europe);
• Hybridoma Data Base;
• Immunoclone Database;
• Interlab Animal Cell Database;
• Sequences databases (EMBL, Seqnet, Can/Snd, Gen Bank);
• Botanic databases (ILDIS);
• Taxonomic databases (Biosis, ICECC);
• Plasmids/vectors/gene libraries (NIH Repository of Human DNA Probes);
• Bibliographic databases (Datastar, Dialogue);
• General biotechnology databases (Bioindustry Association databases, BIKE, BIOREP);
• Biotechnology Information Knot for Europe of GBF in Germany;
• Biotrack: on the Use and Release of Organisms (OECD);
• IRRO: Information Resource for the Release of Organisms to the Environment.
• BINAS: Biosafety Information Network and Advisory Service.

Some of these are linked through the internationally sponsored information and communications network, the Microbial Strain Data Network (MSDN).

Note: This Annex will be further expanded in the future to include databases related to agronomy, ecology, taxonomy, etc.